Review of CoOrdinate Gear - modular camera packs

CoOrdinate Gear have very kindly given me the opportunity to test the entire range of their cleverly-adaptable, modular camera-pack system during the next few weeks. Fundamentally, my review will be factual, unbiased and honest. It should indicate the strength, versatility and quality of the tested-products and, I would like to mention that I have not been sponsored by CoOrdinate Gear.

‘The company’ has designed and produced what appears to be a unique set of bags; an adaptable-system that caters for photographers’ needs when circumstances change, and they have to travel further-afield. Such journeys require careful thought when expensive, camera equipment has to be carried and protected from scratches and bumps.

There are numerous camera-bags available in the UK but CoOrdinate Gear has something exceptional to offer, especially when capacity and volume are paramount and need to be addressed. For example, a large amount of photography equipment can be comfortably positioned, and the roomy, robust bag provides ample room for clothing (waterproofs/ fleeces, etc), maps, food and water on longer journey into the hills, mountains and remote coastal areas.

The designs are understated, maybe the designer's intention was to avoid the possibility of alerting would-be thieves to become attracted to an ‘expensive-looking’ bag - containing costly, camera equipment?

On close inspection, the fabrication quality is impressively demonstrated in the use of strong, seat-belt grade webbing straps that point to a reassuring sense of confidence in the product. The outsides of the bags is made of miltary grade waterproof nylon, which again instils confidence that these are bags that are designed to last a long time - against the rigours of exploring the great outdoors.

- See more at: http://www.coordinategear.com/pioneer/#sthash.3S6NJ8SG.dpufook to be made of a very durable material, which again instils confidence that these are bags that are designed to last a long time - against the rigours of exploring the great outdoors.

The system I shall be putting to the test, initially, will comprise of:

The EDITOR, NOMAD and SCOUT can be used separately by means of attaching the removable, shoulder straps included in each unit, with the application of pairs of included karabiners. This idea greatly increases their versatility.

The SCOUT lives up to its name and offers the chance to do some ‘sketch’ photos with a compact camera, once on location. The procedure is as follows: unclip it from the PIONEER, add the strap and explore the creative possibilities, nearby, without the added burden of having to carry all your equipment around. Look for accessible and potential possibilities as you study the surroundings more intimately until you are satisfied with your search. At that point, use the main, backpack full of kit when you need it for your chosen compositions, with the use of your main camera.

'Scout' - River Erme, Dartmoor National Park

My initial impressions of the padding used in the PIONEER backpack, is one of reassurance and attention to necessary- requirement detail. The padding-finish creates a strong sense of security in the knowledge that your camera(s) and lenses are well protected from bumps and scrapes on your journeys into the wilder landscapes. The comfortable zip-puller loops add an element of luxury for the user’s needs and in turn, demonstrates the designer’s ability to concentrate on such requirements.

The EDITOR has one pocket that warrants a special mention; it has a very soft moleskin-like texture and is a reassuring section in which to place your lens filters. ... if any should slide out of your regular filter wallet, then they would probably be in as gentle an environment as they could be, in the Editor pocket.

For many years, and on a personal basis, I have used all kinds of equipment for my climbing, hiking and mountaineering trips and the CoOrdinate Gear products I plan to review and test for myself, look particularly promising.

I had the opportunity to speak to Paul, at CoOrdinate Gear, regarding their camera-pack system and found it reassuring to hear him talk about the company’s ethos of not cutting corners with the materials they use. He wanted to make bags that could endure the demands made by Outdoor & Adventure photographers when it’s necessary to take their apparatus to a variety of environments where they spend time looking for opportunities to capture their imagination. It was refreshing to talk to Paul because he wholeheartedly promoted a product that contained equal measures of quality, design and versatility as well as taking the cost into account.

Over the next two months, I am planning to carry out a series of video diaries and stills-photos showing CoOrdinate Gear’s modular camera pack system, by using the various combinations, mentioned earlier.

I am heading out to Dendles Wood this week to do an initial test of the modular system of bags. I shall be off to explore a remote nature reserve on Dartmoor, for which I have a permit from Natural England. Dendles Wood is a place of wild water rivers, running through gorges and steep valleys, in 124.5 acres of ancient & unspoilt native woodland. Over the last year, I have visited this enchanting, wooded-valley on a few occasions and this time, I shall be visiting new areas within it.

I am looking forward to putting some of the bags to the test and hope to find that the CoOrdinate Gear system is comfortable and capacious enough for my journey in this demanding terrain.